How to use acyclovir-hydrocortisone topical

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Use this medication at the first sign of a cold sore. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying this medication. Clean and dry the affected area before applying the medication. Apply a thin layer on the affected area as directed by your doctor, usually 5 times a day (every 3 to 4 hours) for 5 days. Apply enough cream to cover all affected areas. Do not rub the area because it may spread to other areas around your mouth or make your cold sore worse. Do not apply other skin products (including make-up, sunscreen, or lip balm) or cover the affected area with a bandage. To prevent washing off the medication, do not bathe, shower, or swim for 30 minutes after application.

Do not apply this medication in the eyes or nose, inside the mouth, or on the genitals.

Cold sores (herpes) can spread easily. Acyclovir/hydrocortisone cream does not prevent the spread of herpes. Avoid sharing eating utensils, cups, razors, or towels during an outbreak. Also, try not to touch the cold sore (including kissing), and wash your hands if you do touch the cold sore.

Use this product regularly to get the most benefit from it. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 2 weeks.

Side Effects

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Precautions

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to acyclovir or hydrocortisone; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Doing so may spread the infection.

Try to avoid or prevent conditions that stress your body and can trigger a cold sore outbreak, such as getting a cold or flu, not getting enough sleep, or staying in the sun without applying sunblock.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light or moisture. Keep tube tightly closed after use. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, expect as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

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